30 September 2024, Patikul, Sulu – Governor Abdusakur M. Tan spearheaded a crucial meeting with key line agencies in Sulu, following the Supreme Court’s recent decision on September 9, 2024, that officially excluded the province from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The special session was convened to address the direct impacts this ruling would have on Sulu’s governance and its people.
The meeting, held at the Governor’s Conference Hall in the Capitol Building, gathered significant political and administrative figures, including Vice-Governor Abdusakur A. Tan II, Former Congressman Munir Arbison, 19 Local Chief Executives, former mayors, and the heads of various provincial offices and ministries. These officials met to outline a detailed transition plan that would guide the province as it navigates its separation from BARMM.
Key Issues Discussed:
The agenda focused on several pressing concerns, with an emphasis on minimizing disruption during the transition. These concerns included:
- Employment Security: Ensuring that government employees in Sulu, who were previously part of BARMM, would retain their positions and receive timely salaries.
- Project Implementation: Reviewing ongoing infrastructure projects and social services funded through BARMM, ensuring continuity in essential development initiatives.
- Autonomous Operations: Establishing frameworks to enable Sulu to operate as an independent administrative entity, separate from BARMM’s central policies and structure.
During the meeting, Governor Tan emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring smooth operations, despite the challenges posed by the transition. A special committee was formed to draft a comprehensive transition plan that would coordinate efforts across various sectors, ensuring continuity and efficiency.
Government Efforts to Address Public Concerns:
Governor Tan also reassured the public that the provincial government would continue its mandate to deliver quality services, even in the face of the changing political landscape. He noted that the exclusion from BARMM could potentially give Sulu more control over its local resources and priorities, allowing for a more tailored approach to addressing the needs of its population.
As a historical part of the Muslim Mindanao region, Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM marks a significant shift in the political structure of the region. The Supreme Court’s decision followed a series of petitions filed by Sulu officials, citing concerns over governance, representation, and autonomy within BARMM. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a step toward self-governance, while others express concern over the potential loss of regional cooperation and shared resources.
Moving forward, the provincial government aims to maintain a steady course, focusing on the welfare of its citizens. Governor Tan has called for unity among Sulu’s political and community leaders to work toward a smooth transition, ensuring that services remain uninterrupted, and that the province can continue its trajectory of growth and development.
The meeting closed with a firm commitment from all participants to work together in shaping Sulu’s future, with the next steps involving a series of consultations to finalize the transition plan and address any remaining concerns from the public and local offices.
